When "big man" goes bad

Pierre Henderson-Niles, this is a player who was once a top 40 recruit for his class. He showed an enormous amount of potential. His skills, however, didn't translate to the college level. This was not because he wasn't good enough. He just got too big. As a result, his ability to jump, and his stamina, was drastically affected.

Close to the beginning of his freshman year in college, Niles sustained an injury to his ankle. During this time he was unable to exercise to stay in shape. Making things worse, he rediscovered his love for fast food.

His weight fluctuated over the next four years, topping out at around 335lbs. His playing time was limited. Calipari did what he does when a player doesn't live up to his expectations. He ignored him.

This summer, Coach Josh Pastner has made Niles follow a strict diet and exercise regiment that has significantly reduced his weight. He is currently checking in at about 275lbs. This is great news. Given the lack of depth, and lack of big men, we will probably need to rely on him more than we have had to in the past. This is especially true when you consider how reluctant Garcia is to mix it up in the paint. That brings us from three big men down to two.

I don't think this will make him a star, but it will certainly help out. He probably won't become a starter, but at least he will be able to make significant contributions off the bench.